Radiator grille with movable flaps and corresponding operating mechanism

Abstract

A radiator grille (2) for a motor vehicle, said grille (2) comprising a set of active flaps (3) capable of assuming an open (PO) position and a closed (PF) position, and comprising a fixed frame (4) and a movable frame (5) connected by an assembly means (6) for the fixed frame (4) and the movable frame (5), the set of flaps (3) being fixed inside the fixed (4) and movable (5) frames. The grille (2) includes a means for moving the movable frame (5) allowing translation of said movable frame (5) essentially along a longitudinal axis (X) of the motor vehicle, the movement of the movable frame (5) causing the opening and closing of the flaps (3). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 2A

Description

Title of the invention: RADIATOR GRILLE WITH MOVABLE FLAPS AND CORRESPONDING OPERATING METHOD technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of radiator grilles for motor vehicles. In particular, the invention relates to adapting the grille to a specific design.

[0002] A radiator grille for a motor vehicle advantageously includes active flaps capable of adopting an open and a closed position, thus allowing control of the engine temperature. When the radiator requires fresh air for engine cooling, the active flaps open.

[0003] The active shutters also serve an aesthetic function, as they conceal the technical components located at the rear of the grille. For aerodynamic and aesthetic reasons, a vehicle's radiator grille may have a curve. This curve introduces complexities into the grille's design, which must follow the desired curvature while meeting both technical requirements, such as engine temperature management, and aesthetic requirements, such as the animation and shapes created when the grille is opened and closed.

[0004] A radiator grille also includes at least one frame which allows the assembled flaps to be held together.

[0005] Furthermore, the grille is located between a lower crossmember and an upper crossmember of the motor vehicle. The height of the space available between said lower and upper crossmembers is generally 150 millimeters.

[0006] In order for the grille to slide between the lower and upper cross members, for example in the event of an impact, the grille must have the lowest possible height. Prior art

[0007] Today, there are flat grilles with two flat flaps that can pivot around a transverse axis and are oriented towards one side of the vehicle to control airflow into the radiator. However, a design with two flat flaps is not a suitable solution for a curved grille, since the flaps cannot properly follow the curve of the grille without causing technical and / or aesthetic problems.

[0008] Furthermore, the aesthetic appeal of a grille design comprising two flat panels is limited. For example, two flat panels do not allow for a The aesthetic effect includes animation and smooth opening and closing of the shutters. Flat grilles are therefore not attractive enough.

[0009] There are also grilles with shutters that can be opened and then closed, but such grilles have fixed bars visible on the surface of the grille. Fixed bars in a grille are generally used to address structural and / or safety issues. For aesthetic reasons, this solution is not considered optimal. Description of the invention

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a solution that addresses the aforementioned technical and aesthetic problems.

[0011] The invention therefore relates to a radiator grille for a motor vehicle, said grille comprising a set of active flaps capable of adopting an open and a closed position, and comprising a fixed frame and a movable frame connected to each other by a means for assembling the fixed and movable frames, the set of flaps being fixed inside the fixed and movable frames. The grille includes a means for moving the movable frame allowing translation of said movable frame essentially along a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, the movement of the movable frame causing the opening and closing of the flaps.

[0012] Advantageously, each flap includes a stepped platform, at least one means of fixing the flap to the fixed frame and at least one means of fixing the flap to the movable frame.

[0013] The means for attaching the shutter to the fixed and mobile frames include a connecting rod.

[0014] According to one embodiment, each flap includes a safety means intended to protect a pedestrian from an impact.

[0015] The safety means is also intended to meet the ECE 26 standard, that is to say, it includes edges with radii greater than a safety threshold.

[0016] Advantageously, the safety means includes a capsule positioned under the flap comprising a minimum radius of 2.7 millimeters.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the means for moving the mobile frame includes an electric motor and a connecting rod.

[0018] Advantageously, the means for assembling the fixed frame and the moving frame includes a sliding connection.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the set of shutters comprises several shutters nested together and forms several columns and / or several rows of shutters.

[0020] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle which includes a grille as defined above.

[0021] The invention also relates to a method for operating a radiator grille for a motor vehicle as defined above. The method comprises the following steps: - activation of the means of moving the mobile frame, - translation of the moving frame essentially along a longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle, - drive of the means of fixing the shutters to the moving frame, and - rotation of the shutters around a transverse axis of the grille. Brief description of the drawings

[0022] Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0023] - Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a motor vehicle comprising a radiator grille according to an example of an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] - Figure [Fig. 2A] is a perspective representation of a radiator grille in closed position;

[0025] - Fig. 2B is a perspective representation of a radiator grille in open position;

[0026] - Figure 3A is a schematic side view of a radiator grille in the closed position;

[0027] - Figure 3B is a schematic side view of a radiator grille in open position;

[0028] - Figure [Fig. 4A] is a top view of a flap in the open position of a grille radiator;

[0029] - Figure [Fig. 4B] is a bottom view of a flap in the open position of a grille radiator. Detailed description

[0030] In [Fig. 1], the front face of a motor vehicle designated by the numerical reference 1 is shown, comprising two radiator grilles 2, an upper radiator grille A and a lower radiator grille B. The motor vehicle 1 is inscribed in an orthogonal coordinate system X, Y, Z. The X axis designates the front-to-rear longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the Y axis designates the transverse direction oriented towards the left of the vehicle viewed from the front, along the X direction, and the Z axis designates the vertical direction, oriented towards the top of the vehicle.

[0031] The embodiment described in the following description relates to the lower radiator grille B of the motor vehicle, but can be applied to all radiator grilles 2, in particular to the upper grille A of the motor vehicle.

[0032] Figures 2A and 2B represent in perspective the radiator grille 2 respectively in closed position PF and in open position PO.

[0033] The grille 2 comprises a set of active shutters 3 capable of adopting an open position PO and a closed position PF, a fixed frame 4 and a movable frame 5, the two frames 4, 5 framing the set of shutters 3. The fixed frame 4 and movable frame 5 are connected to each other by an assembly means comprising, for example, a sliding connection essentially longitudinal along the X axis. The grille 2 also comprises a fixed panel 7 fixed to the fixed frame 4, surrounding the shutters 3 and positioned in a vertical plane.

[0034] The active flap assembly 3 comprises several flaps, the number of which varies according to several parameters, such as the dimensions of the grille 2, the desired engine ventilation characteristics, and certain applicable standards. The flap assembly 3 is fixed inside the fixed frame 4 and the movable frame 5.

[0035] Preferably, the set of shutters 3 comprises several rows and / or several columns of aligned shutters, thus forming a pattern grid. The fixed panel 7 of the grille 2 precisely follows the contour of the pattern grid created.

[0036] Figures 3A and 3B represent in perspective the radiator grille 2 without the panel 7, respectively in closed position PF and in open position PO.

[0037] The grille 2 includes a means for moving the movable frame 5, which results in a translation of said movable frame 5 essentially about the longitudinal axis X. The movement of the movable frame 5 occurs primarily about the longitudinal axis X, while also including a vertical component about the vertical axis Z. The movement of the movable frame 5 thus comprises a significant mechanical component about X and a minor mechanical component about Z. The sliding joint of the means for assembling the fixed frame 4 and the movable frame 5 includes a shape that allows the movement of the movable frame 5 relative to the fixed frame 4. In particular, the sliding joint essentially provides the movable frame 5 with one degree of longitudinal freedom about the axis X, but also provides the movable frame 5 with a slight degree of freedom about the vertical axis Z.

[0038] The movable frame 5 of the grille 2 includes a vertical groove 8 along the Z-axis on one of its sides, which allows the movement means to activate the movement of said movable frame 5. According to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the movement means for the movable frame 5 includes an electric motor 9 and a connecting rod 10. One end of the connecting rod 10 is fixed to the motor 9, and the other end of the connecting rod 10 is movable in the groove 8. The motor 9 actuates the connecting rod 10, which rotates about the transverse axis Y. The connecting rod 10 moves in the vertical groove 8 of the movable frame 5, resulting in the essentially longitudinal movement of said movable frame 5. Indeed, when the connecting rod 10 rotates about the transverse axis Y, it moves in the groove. vertical 8 and causes the movement of the moving frame 5 mainly along the longitudinal axis X and very slightly along the vertical axis Z.

[0039] The movement of the movable frame 5 essentially along the longitudinal axis X causes the opening and closing of the flaps 3.

[0040] Figures 4A and 4B represent the flap 3 in the open position PO of a radiator grille 2.

[0041] The flap 3 comprises a two-level stepped platform, including an upper level 3a and a lower level 3b, a means for attaching the flap 3 to the fixed frame 4 and a means for attaching the flap 3 to the movable frame 5. According to the embodiment shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the flap 3 is in the shape of an irregular hexagon.

[0042] In a set of flaps 3, the first flap 3 fits into the second flap 3 by means of the overlap of the upper level 3a of the stepped platform of said first flap 3 with the lower level 3b of the platform of said second flap 3. The fixed panel 7 includes a lip that fits perfectly into the shape of the flaps 3. The interlocking of the flaps 3 with each other and of the flaps 3 with the fixed panel 7 improves the aerodynamics of the grille 2 and provides better sealing to the engine. The set of flaps 3 comprises several flaps 3 nested together and forms several columns and / or several rows of flaps 3.

[0043] The means for attaching the flap 3 to the fixed frame 4 includes a pivot joint 11 allowing the flap 3 to rotate freely about the transverse axis Y relative to the fixed frame 4. The means for attaching the flap 3 to the movable frame 5 also includes a pivot joint 12 and a connecting rod 13 allowing the flap 3 to move translationally essentially along the longitudinal axis X. The connecting rod 13 is connected on one side to the pivot joint 12 of the means for attaching the flap 3 to the movable frame 5 and on the other side to said movable frame 5.

[0044] When the movable frame 5 is in motion, it drives the connecting rod 13 which pulls the flap 3 towards the rear of the vehicle along the longitudinal axis X. The flap 3 only moves in rotation around the transverse axis Y since it is fixed by means of the pivot joint 11 to the fixed frame 4. The translation of the movable frame 5 therefore causes the flaps 3 to open and close.

[0045] Part 3 further includes a safety device 14 conforming to ECE 26. ECE 26 aims to eliminate sharp edges on a motor vehicle that could injure a person upon contact. This standard considers a sphere with a diameter of 100 millimeters to represent a person, for example, an adult's knee. For a contactable area to be deemed compliant, the radius of an edge at the point of contact must be greater than or equal to 2.5 millimeters, and greater than or equal to 2.7 millimeters specifically for the Renault brand. ECE 26 also stipulates that in the event of double contact of the motor vehicle with the sphere, the radii of the edges at the points of contact can be less than 2.7 millimeters depending on the distance between these two points.

[0046] The lower level 3b and upper level 3a of the flap 3 include 1.2-millimeter radius edges to address aesthetic considerations, particularly when the flaps 3 are in the closed position (PF). Therefore, a safety device 14 designed to protect a pedestrian from impact with the grille 2 is integrated into the flap 3. The safety device 14 also complies with ECE 26, meaning that it includes radius edges exceeding a safety threshold. For example, the safety device 14 includes a capsule positioned below the flap 3, at the lower part of the lower level 3b of the flap 3. The capsule has a minimum radius of 2.7 millimeters. According to ECE 26, the safety threshold is a radius of 2.7 millimeters.

[0047] Thus, when flap 3 is in the closed position PF, the visual aesthetics of the patterns created by the set of flaps 3 is respected and when flap 3 is in the open position PO, the lower level 3b which is initially dangerous for a person is secured thanks to the capsule which thickens the radius of said lower level 3b of flap 3.

[0048] The operating method of the grille 2 which has just been described includes a first step of actuating the means of moving the movable frame 5. Indeed, the motor 9 is put into operation and actuates the connecting rod 10 which moves in rotation around the transverse axis Y.

[0049] Then, in a second phase, the movable frame 5 is moved in translation essentially along the longitudinal axis X of the motor vehicle. When the connecting rod 10 rotates around the transverse axis Y, it drives the movable frame 5, which translates mainly along the longitudinal axis X. The movable frame 5 also translates slightly along the vertical axis Z.

[0050] The method of operating the grille 2 then includes a third step of driving the means of fixing the flaps 3 to the movable frame 5. Indeed, the movement of the movable frame 5 also drives each connecting rod 13 of each means of fixing the flaps 3 to the movable frame 5 in translation along the longitudinal axis X and slightly in translation along the vertical axis Z.

[0051] Then, during a fourth final phase, the flaps 3 are moved in rotation around the transverse axis Y. The flap 3 being fixed to the fixed frame 4 by means of a pivot joint 11, the connecting rod 13 of the means of fixing the flap 3 to the movable frame 5 causes the rotation of said flap 3 around the transverse axis Y.

[0052] The rotation of the flaps 3 around the transverse axis Y thus causes the opening of said flaps 3 and therefore of the grille 2.

[0053] The grille 2 is located between a lower cross member 15 and an upper cross member 16. The height of the available space between said lower cross members 15 and 16 is 150 millimeters. In the event of an impact, for example, the grille 2 must be able to slide between the lower cross members 15 and 16. It is therefore advantageous for the grille 2 to have the lowest possible height.

[0054] This solution makes it possible to make the grille 2 compact along the vertical axis Z.

[0055] Of course, the invention remains within the scope of the invention even if the grille 2 has a different composition. The grille 2 may, for example, comprise several electric motors 9 and several connecting rods 10 and include different shutter patterns 3. This solution is also suitable for many possible shapes and orientations of the grille 2.

[0056] It is also possible to design a grille 2 which does not include a safety means 14 conforming to ECE standard 26 when said grille 2 in open position PO is set back from the fixed panel 7. More particularly, when the fixed panel 7 extends longitudinally outwards from the shutters when they are in the open position, said shutters 3 do not need to include safety means 14.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated by figures 2A and 2B, the shutters 3 do not extend longitudinally outwards from the fixed panel 7. The shutters 3 may therefore not include a safety means 14 conforming to ECE standard 26.

[0058] Furthermore, a grille 2 can be envisaged comprising means for attaching the shutters 3 to the movable frame 5 having connecting rods 13 positioned at different distances and comprising different sizes. This makes it possible, in particular, to give the grille 2 a curved shape. In addition, the movable and fixed frames 4, 5 can themselves comprise a curve.

Claims

Demands

1. Radiator grille (2) for a motor vehicle, said grille (2) comprising a set of active flaps (3) capable of adopting an open position (PO) and a closed position (PF), and comprising a fixed frame (4) and a movable frame (5) connected to each other by an assembly means (6) of the fixed frame (4) and the movable frame (5), the set of flaps (3) being fixed inside the fixed frame (4) and the movable frame (5), characterized in that it comprises a means of moving the movable frame (5) allowing a translation of said movable frame (5) essentially along a longitudinal axis (X) of the motor vehicle, the movement of the movable frame (5) causing the opening and closing of the flaps (3).

2. Grille (2) according to claim 1, wherein each flap (3) comprises a stepped platform, at least one means of fixing the flap (3) to the fixed frame (4) and at least one means of fixing the flap (3) to the movable frame (5).

3. Grille (2) according to claim 2, wherein the means for fixing the flap (3) to the fixed (4) and movable (5) frames comprise (11, 12) and a connecting rod (13).

4. Grille (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each flap (3) includes a safety means (14) for protecting a pedestrian from an impact.

5. Calender (2) according to claim 4, wherein the safety means (14) comprises a capsule positioned under the flap (3) comprising a radius of 2.7 millimeters minimum.

6. Grille (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the means for moving the movable frame (5) comprises an electric motor (9) and a connecting rod (10).

7. Grille (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the means for assembling (6) the fixed frame (4) and the movable frame (5) comprises a sliding connection.

8. Grille (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the set of shutters (3) comprises several shutters (3) nested together and forms several columns and / or several rows of shutters (3).

9. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a grille (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A method for operating a radiator grille (2) for a motor vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: - actuation of the means for moving the mobile frame (5), - translation of the mobile frame (5) essentially along a longitudinal axis (X) of the motor vehicle (1), - drive of the means for fixing the shutters (3) to the moving frame (5), and - rotation of the flaps (3) around a transverse axis (Y) of the grille (2).

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